AP ICET Topper 2023 Interview: Jammu Phaneendra, Rank 8, says ‘Be Consistent in Your Preparation’

When you dream big, you have to work hard for it. By securing Rank 8 in AP ICET exam 2023, Jammu Phaneendra has proved it. A B.Tech in Petroleum Engineering from JNTU kakinada he has also worked in MNC - Larsen & Toubro Infotech. Apart from AP ICET 2023 exam, Jammu Phaneendra has also appeared for GAT exam.

In conversation with Careers360, he says, one should be consistent in preparation and also should attempt as many mock tests as possible. Continuous practice and dedication towards the goal is the key to success. Read the complete interview of Jammu Phaneendra (Rank 8, AP ICET 2023) below.

Careers360: Congratulations on achieving such an outstanding score and rank in AP ICET!

Question: Could you please share your preparation strategy and techniques that helped you secure this remarkable result?

Actually, I have prepared for bank exams and SSC CGL earlier. As most of the syllabus is same in all these exams that helped me to crack AP ICET exam 2023.

Question: Tell us about your academic background. What were your grades? What motivated you to pursue MBA?

I have done my schooling in Santhiniketan and secured 9.7 CGPA. I have done my 10+2 in Narayana jr.college and got 96.6%. After that I pursued my B.Tech in Petroleum Engineering from JNTU kakinada with 75.32%. Also, I had worked for a couple of years in Larsen & Toubro Infotech.

Question: What other MBA entrance exams did you take? Your percentile or score in these exams?

Unfortunately, I did not attempt the CAT exam. But, recently I have witten GAT exam (GITAM ADMISSION TEST) and scored 140 out of 200.

Question: How and when did you start, and for how much time you used to study in a day? Can you share your preparation timetable, study plan, and strategies

I had started preparation for CGL pre exam in october and used to study 2-3 hrs a day.

Question: What do you say are the important topics and books for AP ICET preparation? (If possible list the topics from every section that cannot be skipped)

For English I have followed 120 rules of grammar by NIMISHA BANSAL and important topics are:-voice,direct/Indirect speech and Reading Comprehension.

For reasoning, every topic is important and most of them are very easy. But, most important topics are Coding-Decoding , Syllogisms, Seating arrangements, Blood relations

Question: Did you join any coaching classes? What other resources did you find most helpful during your preparation? (e.g., books, online platforms, mock tests)

I took online coaching for SSC-CGL from the Study lab platform that helped me to ace the AP ICET exam as the syllabus was quite similar.

Question: What is your take on mock tests? What kind of mock tests did you take, and how helpful were they? When did you start taking mock tests?

As I have already mentioned above, I haven't taken mock tests of APICET but just seen PYQS for the level and pattern of questions. But, I took mock tests for CGL in the testbook.

Question: What challenges did you face during your preparation for AP ICET, and how did you overcome them? Are there any specific subjects or sections of the MBA entrance exam that you found particularly challenging?

I felt the reasoning section challenging initially because of coding and decoding chapters and cloze tests in English is one thing that was tricky initially. But by practicing mock tests regularly I worked on it.

Question: What was your exam-taking strategy? How much time did you take to complete a section? Were there any specific topics or sections that you found challenging during the exam? Any tips for managing time in the exam, like how much time to be given to which section?

Yes, Time management is the key for any competitive exam. But, as per my opinion, the time in AP ICET exam is very sufficient. Candidates should place the order of sections in the exam as English first, Reasoning second and Maths at the last. Candidates should complete the English section very quickly so that there will be ample time left for the maths and reasoning section.

Question: The AP ICET exam is known for its speed and time management requirements. How did you develop your speed and accuracy in answering questions within the given time limit?

Mock tests will increase speed and accuracy. The more the mock test one attempts the more speed and accuracy they will gain.

Question: With such an impressive score, you must have various options available for pursuing an MBA. Which colleges or institutes are you considering for your MBA, and what factors are you considering while making your decision?

I am considering GITAM, Hyderabad for admission. The main factors for selecting this college is it is one of the reputed colleges and also they are providing 100% scholarship for 1-15 ranks.

Question: How are you preparing for AP ICET counselling 2023? Are there any specific traits or skills one should focus on showcasing during the selection rounds?

There are no specific preparations for counselling. Just know about the course you are going to pursue and why you want to pursue it.

Question: Many MBA aspirants dream of cracking exams like AP ICET, CAT, XAT etc. and get into top b-schools. What advice would you give to them?

Candidates willing to achieve their goals should start preparation early and practice as many mock tests as possible.

Question: Which MBA specialization are you planning to take up and why?

I am planning to take an MBA in Finance. It helps in understanding portfolio management, investment strategy and risk management. I am interested in adding these skills to my portfolio.

Question: What are your expectations from the MBA course and the college you are planning to join?

As I already have experience of working in an MNC, I know the work culture and hierarchy. But, I felt that I need a better understanding of finance and management to get into managerial positions and enhance my managerial and leadership skills.